This season sees Dartford embark on a new chapter in its history. Gone is the doom and gloom of last term’s relegation from the National League South, and a fresh start beckons as we take on the challenge of the Isthmian Premier League under the guidance of boss Ady Pennock.
This new chapter also sees a complete overhaul of the First Team squad, as Ady and his coaching staff rebuild the team around some of the talented youngsters who have emerged from the Dartford Academy. So without further ado, please meet the 2024-25 squad….
THE TALENTED YOUTH
Sam Odaudu
It’s easy to forget that Sam is still only 21-years-old, such has been the defender’s progress in recent years. The Dartford Academy Graduate has already notched up 59 appearances in all competitions for the Darts, 53 of which have been in the starting eleven.
The youngster has made the left-back position his own during the previous two seasons, and scored his one and only goal for the club in the 3-2 defeat at Concord Rangers on the 20th of April 2023.
Olly Box
Perhaps the brightest prospect to come from the Dartford Academy in recent years, as he began making a name for himself in the Kent Senior Cup competition with two substitute appearances during the 2022-23 campaign. Olly then burst on the scene on the 17th of February this year, when he scored on his starting debut in a 2-1 victory at Dover Athletic. The 18-year-old then followed that up with a superb brace in the 3-2 defeat at Slough Town three days later. He went on to make 19 appearances last season, twelve of which were in the starting eleven.
His natural pace and movement, as well as eye for goal (he scored six times last season, 4 of which were in the league) has attracted the attention of a few big clubs, but Olly has shown loyalty and wisdom to continue his growth with the Darts.
George Whitefield
Of the three Dartford Academy Graduates to re-sign for the club, George’s flame is possibly the slowest to begin burning. The promising centre-half has shown glimpses of what he’s capable of during his twelve appearances so far.
Of his nine starts in all competitions, perhaps none were as eye-opening as his superb performance alongside Manny Adebowale in the 0-0 draw at Hampton & Richmond Borough on the last day of the 2022-23 season. With the step down to tier three this season, hopefully George can kick on and become an integral part of Ady Pennock’s defensive unit.
FAMILIAR FACES RETURN
Samir Carruthers
Samir returns to Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park after having spent a season away with Chelmsford City. The experienced midfielder featured on 38 occasions with The Clarets, netting three goals in the process. His return to Dartford has been celebrated by many, as his performances on the pitch since initially arriving on loan from Hemel Hempstead Town in March 2022 proved vital to that season’s promotion challenge. Samir signed permanently the following season, where he scored ten league goals in 39 appearances (34 starts) in all competitions, before moving on to Chelmsford.
The 31-year-old midfielder possesses a wonderful ability to drive the team forward, and has an eye for goals and creativity. Having featured for the likes of Arsenal U18s, Aston Villa, Sheffield United, MK Dons, Oxford United, and Cambridge United Samir’s experience and leadership qualities will be vital for the Darts’ challenge this season, so he’s sure to add to his goal tally and 47 appearances in a Dartford shirt so far.
Josh Hill
Experienced centre-half, Josh Hill, returns to the Dartford defence for a third spell after leaving Hemel Hempstead Town at the end of last season. Having represented the Darts between 2013-14 and 2019-2022, the 32-year-old has notched up more than 58 appearances in all competitions while playing in black and white. He’s also found the back of the net on seven occasions, five of which came during his 2019-20 campaign, where he made 42 starting appearances for the club in all competitions.
Josh left Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in July 2022, where he signed for Dulwich Hamlet. However he never really settled there, going to Enfield Town and Hemel Hempstead Town on loan, until signing for The Tudors permanently. Having also represented the likes of Coalville, Worksop, Boreham Wood, Havant & Waterlooville, St Albans City, Wealdstone, Braintree Town, and Welling United, Josh brings a wealth of experience to Ady Pennock’s defensive unit. And his ability to read the game, as well as his leadership qualities will be vital in not only Dartford challenging to return to the National League South, but in him also mentoring the young defenders around him.
Duane Ofori-Acheampong
Having spent six seasons away from the club, striker Duane Ofori-Acheampong returns to Dartford after leaving Torquay United following a difficult 2023-24 campaign. It’s fair to say that, since Duane left the Darts at the end of the 2017-18 season, he’s struggled to make an impact while at Woking FC, Braintree Town, Hungerford Town, and Torquay, as injury setbacks have hindered his progress.
A fresh start at tier three with Ady Pennock’s side could be the very thing he needs to kick-start his career once again. Afterall, his previous campaign at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park saw him register 56 appearances in all competitions, in which he contributed with nine goals during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. At 31 years of age, Duane brings a wealth of experience and patience which should hold him in good stead, as he begins a new chapter with Dartford.
THE NEW FACES
Ben Allen
Ben Allen is a product of Gillingham’s U18s outfit, who went on to play for National League (now EFL League 2) side Bromley during their 2020-21 season. He was loaned out to Lewes FC shortly after signing, before circumstances dictated that he move on to Welling United.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder then went on to represent Concord Rangers, Hungerford Town, and Aveley, before finishing last season at Haringey Borough. With his ability to play on either wing and through the centre, Ben’s versatility should offer Dartford many attacking options and creativity for our strikers.
Callum Jones
Callum Jones is a product of the Colchester United Academy, having worked his way up through their U18 and U21 teams. He left to sign for Chelmsford City in 2021 where, apart from a month’s loan to Braintree Town in March of this year, he remained. His time with The Clarets saw him make 70 appearances and score on ten occasions.
The striker, who can also play as a second striker and right winger, adds further ammunition to Ady Pennock’s attack, as well as versatility. And, at just 24, a new beginning in different surroundings could be the perfect new chapter for Callum and Dartford.
Jacob Marsden
27-year-old goalkeeper Jacob Marsden is the third player to be signed from Chelmsford City during the off-season, as he joins Callum Jones and Samir Carruthers at Dartford. The former Ipswich Town youngster made his FA Trophy debut with Leiston FC, before moving to Scotland to play for Hamilton Academicals. He then returned south of the UK to sign for Chelmsford City for the 2021-22 season, where he made 27 appearances in all competitions. However, he’d go on to make only 12 further appearances over the following two campaigns for The Clarets, as he played second fiddle to Joshua Oluwayemi and Henry Gray.
This season sees the shot-stopper make a fresh start as the number one at Dartford, where his abilities between the sticks and commanding presence will be invaluable for our challenge in the Isthmian Premier League.
Denzelle Olopade
Denzelle Olopade is a defensive midfielder, who began his career with the Norwich City Academy. He went on to represent the Canaries at Youth and U18 levels, before moving to Crystal Palace’s U18 squad in July 2019. From there, he went on to play for Ramsgate, before signing for Erith & Belvedere FC for the 2023-24 season.
Having been an important part of The Deres and their challenge in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division, 22-year-old Denzelle makes the step up to the third tier with Dartford and intends to become a pivotal figure in Ady Pennock’s midfield unit.
Dwight Pascal
23-year-old Dwight Pascal began his football career with Barnet. The versatile right-back represented the Bees at U18 and First Team level, before moving to Potters Bar in July 2021. He had spells with Kingstonian FC and Dulwich Hamlet, before returning to Potters Bar in January this year.
Having left The Scholars during the off-season, Dwight arrives at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park to become an important member of Ady Pennock’s defence. With his ability to play at right full-back and right centre-back, Dwight’s versatility and strength should help the Darts’ cause in challenging for a return to the National League South.
Luther Williams
Luther Williams is the youngest of the new faces to arrive at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park (at the time of writing). At just 20 years of age, the centre-half joins Ady’s outfit after a first full campaign with Leatherhead FC in the Isthmian South Central League last term.
The former Chelsea Youth Prospect has also represented Sheffield United at U18 and U21 levels, before signing for Leatherhead in September last year. Now, the tall left-footed defender takes the step up to the Isthmian Premier League with the Darts, where he hopes to write himself into the club’s history books.
As the 2024-25 pre-season and season proper progresses, there will be many more new arrivals. So, keep an eye on our website for their biographies. Additionally, full articles will be written about each individual player during the next 8-9 months, so please do keep an eye out on our website and matchday programmes for more in-depth content throughout the campaign.
By Chris Palmer